How many freshwater fish species are there in South Africa?

South Africa is home to well over 150 species of freshwater fish, quite a large number if you think about it!

Where is fresh water found in South Africa?

South Africa’s diverse freshwater ecosystem ranges from sub-tropical areas such as the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, to the semi-arid interior, and the temperate rivers running through the Western Cape fynbos region.

What fish live in freshwater ponds?

The most common species stocked in ponds are the largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Other species that can be used for specific management objectives include fathead minnows, crappie, black bullhead, redear sunfish, and gizzard shad. Green sunfish and carp are also often found in ponds.

What are the water resources in South Africa?

South Africa’s water resource base is dominated, in volume, by surface water from our river systems. Yet only 8% of South Africa’s land area produces the runoff (water that drains from the surface of an area of land into the river systems) that generates 50% of the volume of water in our river systems.

What is the biggest fish in South Africa?

The largest species is the African freshwater fish, the giant tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath).

What is the biggest freshwater fish in South Africa?

African catfish
The African catfish is a dominant freshwater fish. It can grow to between 1.4 and 2m long and can weigh anything from 8kgs to 59kgs. The South African angling record is 35 kgs, however a 58.9kg specimen was caught in the Vaal River.

Why is freshwater valuable in South Africa?

Water is arguably South Africa’s most vital and precious natural resource. It is integral to the survival of human life, the functioning of ecological systems, food and energy production, transportation, waste disposal, and industrial development (1–4).

Is water free in South Africa?

Free basic water South Africa has introduced a policy of free basic services, including water, electricity and solid waste collection. As part of that policy, every household is to receive the first 6 cubic meters per month for free. Most municipalities provide free basic water to all or almost all their residents.

What is the best fish for ponds?

Best Outdoor Pond Fish Recommendations

Koi. Descendants of the common carp, koi excellent pond fish and are made for outdoor living.
Goldfish. Just like breeds of dogs, there are may breeds of goldfish.
Hi-Fin Sharks.
Catfish.
Sturgeon.
Plecos.
Fancy Goldfish.
Any Tropical Fish.

What is the policy on access of water in South Africa?

Currently, South Africa has a policy called Free Basic Water Access. According to the South African Constitution every citizen is entitled to a certain amount of water regardless of his ability to pay for it; this policy defines the amount of entitlement be 6000 liters per household per month [5].

What is the water problem in South Africa?

Some of the challenges affecting our water include the amount available, the unequal distribution and access to clean water, the quality and state of water infrastructure, droughts causing towns to run dry and corruption that has affected municipal treatment plants, resulting in sewage flows into streets, rivers and …

How much water does South Africa have per person?

South Africa has less water per person than Botswana & Namibia United Nations’ Aquastats data shows that South Africa has more renewable freshwater resources than Botswana and Namibia. In 2013, it had a total of 44.8 billion m³ of water available – a quarter of the capacity of the Kariba, Africa’s largest dam.

Are there any water reservoirs in South Africa?

It also contributes to hydropower and recreational projects of the country. The Gariep Dam is the main source of drinking water in the area and waters up to 22,000 hectares of farmlands. The Albasini Dam, Albert Falls Dam, Alexandra Dam, Allemanskraal Dam and Alphen Dam are the few smaller reservoirs and dams found in South Africa.

Are there any freshwater fish in South Africa?

You will rarely find a body of flowing or still water in South Africa that does not have any freshwater fish species in it! Freshwater fish depend heavily on their natural habitats in order to breed, eat and function properly. A slight change in the environment around them can cause a lot of damage to the overall population of fish.

Are there any natural lakes in South Africa?

It includes lakes that were formed naturally, and a few wetlands. For artificial lakes such as reservoirs, refer to List of dams and reservoirs in South Africa. For estuaries (river mouths) see List of estuaries of South Africa, or if they are more the lagoon type List of lagoons of South Africa, and for bays see List of bays of South Africa .

Where is the least piped water in South Africa?

Households in the Western Cape are most likely to have access to piped water, while those in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape are the least likely to have access to piped water. 2. Piped water in less than 50% of SA homes